Reckless Christianity: The Destructive New Teachings and Practices of Bill Johnson, Bethel Church, and the Global Movement of Apostles and Prophets

Holly Pivec · R. Douglas Geivett

2023-12 · Wipf and Stock Publishers

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Bethel Church in Redding, California, is one of the most popular and polarizing churches in America. Home to the award-winning Bethel Music label, its songs are among the most used in churches. Thousands of people visit the church each year, drawn by reports of miraculous healings, the manifestation of a glittering Glory Cloud, and other miracles. They're convinced that the church is at the forefront of an end-time movement that is restoring miraculous power to the church-at-large and "bringing heaven to earth." Yet others are concerned that Bethel has left the boundaries of Scripture and brought its followers into a dangerously speculative and experience-driven faith. They say that, in the name of training miracle workers, Bethel has introduced hazardous, perhaps even occultic, practices into the church. This has resulted in chaos, confusion, and damaged lives. In this book we examine the controversial teachings of the "Bethel Church Movement," as it is called, which has transformed modern Christian practice, culture, and worship. We show its place in the broader New Apostolic Reformation, a worldwide movement of "apostles" and "prophets" intent on reconstructing the mission and the message of the Christian church.

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Holly Pivec is an independent researcher of new religious movements. She blogs at HollyPivec.com.



R. Douglas Geivett is professor of philosophy at Biola University and Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, California.